Youngsters into last eight

Sunderland's under-21s are into the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens.

Ten members of the development squad, led by coach Kevin Ball, jetted out to Hong Kong last week with the first round of games held today (Saturday).

However, the day wasn't without drama as a severe rainstorm disrupted proceedings before matches eventually resumed.

Sunderland, who lost in the semi-finals last year, kicked off with a 1-1 draw against Singapore Cricket Club, while Group A rivals Manchester City posted the same scoreline against Yau Yee League Select.

The second game of the day pitted Sunderland against Yau Yee and the Black Cats were just too hot to handle, running out 5-0 winners.

City saw off Singapore CC by the same scoreline, meaning the clash of the two English clubs would decide the group winners.

A tight match was won 2-0 by City, who will now face Rangers in Sunday's quarter-finals while Sunderland will take on South China, who pipped the Scottish club to win Group C on goals scored.

Should Sunderland's youngsters prevail, they will face either Aston Villa or Leicester in the semi-finals, with the showpiece final also taking part tomorrow.